The month leading up to Christmas is popularly known as the Christmas Season. But in a liturgical sense, the Christmas Season does not start until Christmas Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as Advent, a liturgical season focused on anticipating the birth of Jesus Christ. 

The four weeks of Advent start four Sundays before Christmas Day. This is a season of reflection, penance, and expectancy as we prepare our homes and our souls to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Preparations usually include lots of decorations, such as a Christmas tree, a Jesse tree, Advent calendars, and Advent wreaths. 

Advent wreaths are the most common way to mark the passage of each week, with a new candle being lit every Sunday in Advent and on Christmas Day. Each candle has a specific meaning that relates to the Advent week it represents. 

What Are the Four Weeks of Advent?

The four weeks of Advent are the four Sundays directly preceding Christmas Day. Each of the four weeks of Advent invites us to focus on a specific theme. Scripture readings and daily devotionals for each week will reflect the week’s theme. 

First Week of Advent: Hope

The first week of Advent starts on the first Sunday of Advent, known as Advent Sunday. On this Sunday we light the Prophecy Candle, which is purple. This candle symbolizes Hope, as we begin our four week journey of expectant preparations. The theme of Hope reminds us of all that Jesus is coming and that He will lead us out of darkness and into salvation. We also begin physical preparations for Christmas, such as putting up a Christmas tree, the hanging of the greens, among other liturgical and family traditions. 

Second Week of Advent: Peace

On the second Sunday of Advent, we light a second candle, known as the Bethlehem Candle, which is also purple. This candle represents Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. During the second week of Advent we are invited to reflect on God’s promise of universal peace through Christ and how we can be an incarnation of that peace in our daily lives by helping those in need, just as Mary and Joseph were. 

Third Week of Advent: Joy

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday and is all about Joy. Gaudete is the Latin word for “Rejoice,” and on this Sunday we light the Shepherd’s Candle. The third candle is pink, which is the liturgical color that represents joy. The joy we celebrate this week is the joy of our faith, the joy that we have experienced so far this season, and the joy at the coming of Christ. 

Fourth Week of Advent: Love

The fourth Sunday of Advent is all about Love—specifically, God’s love for the world, Christ’s love for all of us, and our love for our neighbors. The fourth candle on the advent wreath is once again purple, and it is known as the Angel’s Candle. This candle serves as a reminder of the angel’s message, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

The Christ Candle

There is a fifth candle in the center of the Advent. This candle is called the Christ Candle and it is white to represent Christ’s purity. It is lit on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to celebrate the arrival of Jesus. Lighting the Christ Candle along with the other four candles represents the end of the Advent season and the beginning of the Twelve Days of Christmas. 

Prepare Your Home for His Coming with an Advent Wreath

The themes of hope, peace, joy, and love are foundational to Advent and are with us not just on each Sunday, but throughout the week. Lighting your own Advent wreath is a simple way to reflect on each week’s theme at home. A traditional pinecone advent wreath is an ideal addition to your festive decor for both its classic wintry look and its spiritual significance. 

If you are looking for more ways to observe the Advent season, explore our entire selection of advent decorations, supplies, and gifts.